Statement by the Spokesperson on planned new demonstrations in Gaza on Friday 6 April

Bruxelles, 05/04/2018 - 20:29, UNIQUE ID: 180405_10

Statements by the Spokesperson

Statement by the Spokesperson on planned new demonstrations in Gaza on Friday 6 April

In light of the announcement of further demonstrations in Gaza in the coming days, the European Union calls upon all concerned, on all sides, to act with utmost responsibility and restraint in order to avoid a repetition of last week's violence and to refrain from any actions that could lead to further escalation or loss of life.

While recognising the right to peaceful demonstration, the European Union expects that those leading the protests in Gaza avoid any incitement to violence, ensure that any protests, demonstrations and assemblies remain strictly non-violent, and do not exploit them for other means.

The European Union also expects Israel to respect the fundamental right to peaceful protest and proportionality in the use of force when defending its legitimate security interests.